Renan Trongco has to shed 4 kg or over 8 pounds when he steps on the scales for the official weigh-in for his IBO straw-weight title fight against South African champion Hekkie Budler at the Emperor?s Palace in Gauteng, South Africa on Saturday night, Sunday morning in Manila.
Super Sport reported that Trongco ?looked slim and trim at a media conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) but he has problems ahead of the title fight.
However, promoter Gabriel ?Bebot? Elorde Jr told the Manila Standard ?that?s not a problem because he has three days within which to make the weight. That?s easy for fighters? even as he said the long and grueling flight where he probably kept eating on the plane and had to merely sit down resulted in his being overweight.
When we covered Trongco?s training prior to his departure last February 9 he was only three pounds over the limit and looked in great shape.
If there is any consolation for the southpaw Trongco, it's that Budler, according to Super Sport, was also more than 2 kilograms above the limit.
But his trainer Colin Nathan said it would not be a problem. He promised that Budler would enter the ring "in peak condition."
South African media reports that Budler will start as the firm favorite against an opponent who is ranked No 27 by the IBO ? and fifth in the division in the Philippines and it seems, therefore, the bout should be no more than a stepping stone for Budler, who is seeking more important titles and international recognition.
But the champion, who has been beaten only once in 22 bouts, says he won?t take Trongco lightly.
Budler said "The Philippines have a great record for producing top-class boxers. We've seen some of them being underestimated but providing the goods, to the cost of their opponents. It's not a mistake I intend to make."
The champion added, "I'm not thinking of challenging for the IBF or WBC titles. On Saturday night my focus will be on Trongco and Trongco alone."
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